When you apply for benefits under the Québec Parental Insurance Plan, you must choose between two options, the basic plan or the special plan. This choice will determine the length of leave and the percentage replacement of your income.

It is possible to receive:

Lower benefits for a longer period (basic plan)

or higher benefits for a shorter period (special plan)

The choice of plan is determined by the first of the two parents to receive benefits, which binds the other parent, even in cases of shared custody. Once you have begun receiving your benefits, you can no longer change plans. The choice of plan is irrevocable and applies for the entire duration of the benefit period.

For example, if the mother is the first to receive benefits and she chooses the basic plan for her maternity benefits, the basic plan will necessarily apply to the paternity and parental benefits. It is therefore very important to check which of the two plans is to your greater advantage before applying for benefits. To do so, you can try the benefit calculation simulator. You can use this tool to estimate the amount of benefits to which you may be entitled, depending on the selected plan.